868.48/3167: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:05 p.m.]
1641. Legation’s 1576, June 21, 11 a.m. British Government has now sent instructions to Mallet stating that technical details concerning shipments have been arranged with Canadian Government including those for first three ships. Shipping documents are to be made out to Swedish Red Cross.
Despite its earlier agreement in principle British Government objects to that part of Junod scheme leaving arrangements in Greece to International Red Cross. They wish Swedish Government to keep a firm hold on all of activities and fear that International Red Cross would gradually take lead and attempt to deal directly with British, United States and Canadian Governments causing confusion. British Government stated to Mallet that it has had trouble with International Red Cross heretofore in Greek relief and feels that it would be bombarded with requests to amend scheme if Swedish Red Cross were not to be in absolute control and demands that Stockholm must be center. Mallet is today discussing practical arrangements with Swedish Foreign Office but is not officially taking up this objection until British Foreign Office replies to his requests for reconsideration of question of control in Greece.
He has pointed out that framework acceptable to Axis Powers is Junod scheme which does not provide that Swedish Red Cross act independently in Greece. Mallet also pointed out that Mohn, Secretary of Swedish Legation in Rome, was to be chairman of Committee of Action and not Brunei to whom British Government appears to have some objection. Mallet pointed out that Swedish Government is convinced that it is essential to maintain fiction that plan is to function under International Red Cross at least until scheme is in operation. Although he is not taking this up officially with Swedish Government today he has informally mentioned matter to Boheman who has also informally stated that it would be very confusing to have a change made at this time but that if British Government insists upon it steps will have to be taken to permit Swedish Red Cross to act independently in Greece rather than to scrap scheme.
Further report will be submitted when Mallet receives reply to his request for reconsideration.
British Government states that it will be unable to supply cars and fuel oil mentioned Legation’s 1631, June 27, 3 p.m.40 Swedish [Page 768] Government may be expected shortly to suggest that United States Government attempt to arrange for supply of these cars and fuel with Greek Relief Committee in United States.
- Not printed.↩